OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha softball team opens its 2019 season at the Lone Star College Classic in Houston, Texas, this weekend. The Mavericks open the season on Friday, Feb. 8, against Wisconsin at 9 a.m. followed by a 2 p.m. game with Texas Tech. Saturday starts with a game against Lamar at 9 a.m. and a second game with the Badgers at 4:30 p.m. UNO will wrap up its first tournament of the season on Sunday at 9 a.m. against Nebraska.
Leading Off
• The 2019 Omaha softball campaign marks the 50th season overall.
• Omaha finished the 2018 season 21-30 overall and 5-9 in the Summit League.
•
Amanda Eberhart enters her first season at the helm of the Omaha softball program.
• Junior
Emma Dargy is the Mavericks' returning top hitter. Last season, Dargy hit .273 with seven home runs and 19 RBI.
• Senior
Natalie Mostek appeared in 50 games last season with seven homers, eight doubles, nine stolen bases and 21 RBI.
• Sophomore
Sydney Hampton returns to the circle this spring after posting an 11-13 record in 28 appearances in 2018.
• The Mavericks were picked fifth in the Preseason Summit League Coaches Poll.
• Mostek and Hampton were recognized as players to watch in the Summit League.
• The roster is comprised of 12 returning letterwinners, including seven upperclassmen, and 10 newcomers.
Scouting the Lamar Cardinals
Lamar finished the 2018 season 28-28, but this year begins a new era under head coach Amy Hooks. Lamar is led by its five seniors: Kelly Meeuwsen, Savana Guidry, Maddy Myers, Julia Voluntad and Taylor Davis.
Scouting the Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech finished 31-28 last season and played in the National Invitational Softball Championship Tournament, finishing with a 2-2 record at the regional. The 2018 season marked Texas Tech's first winning season under fifth-year head coach Adrian Gregory. Texas Tech returns 12 members from last year's squad and welcomes nine newcomers.
Scouting the Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin finished 29-23 last season and made its second-straight NCAA tournament appearance, finishing with a 1-2 record at the regional. The Badgers enter the new season receiving votes in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll. Head coach Yvette Healy is in her ninth season in Madison. Wisconsin returns eight starters and 13 letterwinners.
Up Next
Omaha returns to the diamond next weekend at the Red & Black Showcase in Athens, Ga. The Mavericks open the tournament against Buffalo before facing tournament host Georgia on Friday, Feb. 15. On Saturday, UNO faces Winthrop and Georgia. The tournament concludes on Sunday against Buffalo.
